can not format my C Drive

when I enter dos and type c:format c:
I get a msg (Drive C: is currently in use by another program)
I have also tried the format command from a floppy and get the same answer\
how do I get around this?

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1. Make a Satrtup Floppy disk, either from a running Win98\ME system, or downlaod it form here>> www.bootdisk.com
2. Insert this floppy disk.
3. Resstart\TurnOn the system.
4. System will boot from the floppy drive and will give u four choices.
5. Choose the appropiate action.
6. Now u will get the DOS black screen.
7. If it is prompted as C:\ then type A: and hit enter, otherwise leave it.
8. Now type format C: /q
9. press Y to confirm formatting process.

your specific problems sounds like a hard drive that has a modified mbr "master boot record"
mostly common with a hardrive that was to big to be recognized by the bios and
auto detect.
or it could be a damage or infected "mbr"

to solve this problem type "fdisk/mbr" in the command prompt

note "if this happens" ::::
"'"" even after succefully formating your hardrive you may possibley not be able to
see the entire size of your hd space.""""
thats why this "program" was in your mbr. to give you access to larger drive space

if that fails consider other ideas on why it acting this way.

first find out what manufacturer made your hd and go to there site and download some
of their dos tools.

It appears that you are trying to format Drive C: from Drive C:
You cannot do this , as you are using the drive at the same time you are trying to format it!
If you boot from a floppy, or CD, then , from that drive letter prompt, use the format command.
Make sure that the file Format.com is on the relevant boot medium.
The floppy would be best, (a W98 boot floppy made from the system) as the format.com file is in the path after boot.

0

jdsmortCommented: 2004-04-27

Further to my last comment, the correct command after booting (from say a floppy...) would be :
format c:
This must be from a command prompt other than C:\ (eg from a floppy, A:\)
If you are formatting to 'clean' the drive, use that command only, but if you just want a new setup. use: format c: /q
This will give a quick format, and depending on the drive size, is often the best solution.